As we enter the New Year, I've started thinking of how to connect with my past clients in a more effective way than just the occasional card or phone call. I've been researching customer appreciation events as a way to keep those relationships strong and form new ones, so here are a few ideas I've learned so far!
1. Sports themed events. Down here in Florida, we love our college football! Every year the FSU vs Florida game is watched by nearly everyone and talked about for days afterwards. Why not incorporate your area's love of sport into a client event? Host a viewing party at a local sports bar or restaurant! Or, throw a mock-tailgate party in a rented out parking lot and grill out for a more family friendly atmosphere. You can always rent one of those nifty blow up big screen projectors and the whole party can root for their team!
2. Seasonal events. Capitilize on everyones love of food, family, and fun during the various holidays throughout the year. Send out invites to your contact list to bring the kids out for a giant Easter Egg Hunt. If your state allows fancy fireworks, throw a fantastic 4th of July get together and impress the neighborhood with your display. Put on a Santa outfit and pose for free pictures with the kids (or adults!). The possibilities here are pretty limitless, and your customers will think fondly about the great time they had at your event every year on that special holiday!
3. Sponsor a charity event. It always makes people feel great to contribute to a worthwhile cause. 
Look around your local area and find a charity in need of funding or advertising and speak to them about working together to sponsor a fundraiser. Whether it be bowling, a bake sale, or a fishing tournament, both your business and the charity will benefit from cooperating, and your customers will have a great time while giving back to their own community.
4. Rent out a nightclub. I've seen this idea in quite a lot of the places I've looked, and I'm admittedly a little skeptical. While I'm sure everyone would have an absolutely excellent time, this one seems like it would be a bit cost prohibitive. I'm also not sure about attaching your brand to that particular type of atmosphere....but - from what I can see in my research, many agents have had great success with this one, so maybe it will fit into your market!
What do you ladies and gentlemen think? Do you host client appreciation events? If so, which have you found to be the most effective, cost efficient, and fun for all?
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